By Yvonne Mutambwa
GOVERNMENT pledged to provide non-collateral loans to help traders at Mbare Musika Market in Harare and to reconstruct the Market place that was destroyed by fire.
Work on the reconstruction of the new Mbare Musika Traders Market is expected to take seven months to complete, effective November 2024.
Speaking at the post cabinet briefing this Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dr Jenfan Muswere noted the update on Mbare Traders Market reconstruction.
“Government has put in place a response and recovery plan under the Building Back
Better programme,” said Minister Muswere.
The Government will intervene through a number of initiatives which include the following:
-provision of immediate relief in the form of livelihood support (safety nets) such as cash transfers, payment of school fees and psycho social support and child protection;
-immediate resuscitation of businesses through loans, grants and other stimulus packages to assist traders with restocking of goods;
-provision of alternative and conducive workspace-the Harare City Council has offered the open space opposite Carter House as an alternative while reconstruction is taking place;
-economic empowerment programmes that support stakeholders in
rebuilding their businesses and promoting economic stability; and
-upgrading market infrastructure to densification using two or three storey buildings and enhancing emergency response systems to prevent future fire disasters (long term).
To sustain their livelihoods, some of the traders have been allowed to resume operations while sprucing up the market that was reduced to ashes, is in place.
“An assessment carried by Government established that a total of 4 695 traders (1 511 stall operators and 3 184 lessees) were directly affected by the disaster, which had negative bearing on the livelihoods of 23 000 people,” noted Minister Muswere.
However, a three model design is being proposed at the Mbare Musika Traders Market whereby businesses will be classified and accommodated on all the three levels.
“Mbare Musika Traders Market project will serve to pilot the Smart Market concept. The objective of the Smart Market concept is the enhancement of trading environment through provision of safe and modern facilities,” the Minister added.
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